Chapter 153: He is alive
Anderson Family House: Late Morning
The old house still carried the echoes of better days, though the scent of lavender and lemon polish now lingered in the halls again, thanks to Vera and Valerie’s tireless effort to make it feel like home.
The living room was calm and warm, sunlight streaking through the lace curtains. Mrs. Bella sat in her usual chair by the window, bundled in a soft shawl, her once sharp eyes now softer, yet alert, more alert than they had seen in months.
Ethan stepped inside, carrying baby Andrew in his arms, his expression unreadable. The past year had carved lines of regret and exhaustion into his once-proud face. But here, with his son nestled against his chest, he looked... almost whole.
"Ethan," Valerie said with a small smile. "You came."
"Yeah," he said quietly, "it was time."
Vera walked in from the kitchen, wiping her hands. "It’s good to see you," she said genuinely. "Andrew’s grown so much."
Ethan nodded and knelt beside Mrs. Bella’s chair. "Hey, Mom," he said gently. "Look who came to see you."
He placed Andrew carefully on her lap, supporting him. The toddler blinked up at his grandmother with wide eyes and then immediately grabbed a fistful of her scarf.
Mrs. Bella looked down, her hands trembling slightly... but not from weakness.
Her eyes locked on Andrew, and her breathing grew rapid. Her lips moved, barely forming sound. Her fingers twitched against the blanket, trying to speak. Trying hard.